Tips for high school sophomores & juniors thinking ahead to college
Plan ahead, because getting into college doesn’t happen by accident!
High school sophomores and juniors, you have no idea how fast time flies as you approach senior year and graduation! Now’s a great time to be planning ahead for post-graduation life. Not everyone has their eyes on a career that requires a college education. For those of you who are planning to pursue a university degree, here are some things you should be doing over the next several months.
Researching universities
Start by researching different universities to find the one that best fits your interests and goals. This involves looking at factors such as the location of the university, the size of the school, the academic programs offered, and the overall campus culture.
Meeting with a counselor
Make an appointment with your school counselor to discuss your plans for after graduation and get advice on the university application process. Be ready to share some of your research findings.
Applying to universities
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential universities, begin the process of applying. This usually involves completing an online application, submitting transcripts, writing essays, and possibly completing other requirements such as standardized test scores or letters of recommendation. Your spikeview profile stories will be a tremendous help for this.
Visiting universities
If possible, visit the universities you’re interested in attending. This can give you a better sense of what the campus is like and help them determine if it is the right fit for you. Even if you’re not a fan of traveling with parents, they’ll have observations you wouldn’t think of as a student. Bring along a parent or guardian!
Talking to current students
Another way to get a feel for a university is to talk to current students. They can provide valuable insights on what it is like to attend the school and give you a sense of what to expect.
Exploring financial aid options
Paying for university can be a major concern for many students and their families. Start exploring financial aid options as early as possible, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Taking challenging courses
To prepare for the academic rigors of university, try to take as many challenging courses as possible while you’re in high school. This will not only help build strong study habits, but it will also show admissions committees that you’re ready for the demands of college-level coursework.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can not only be a fun way to spend time, but it can also help you stand out to university admissions committees. It demonstrates that you’re well-rounded and have a range of interests and skills.
Building a strong portfolio
Continue adding to your spikeview portfolio by volunteering, participating in internships, or taking on leadership roles in school or community organizations. This will give you valuable experience and help them stand out to universities and potential employers.
Staying organized
With so much going on, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. To stay on top of things, it’s important to stay organized and keep track of deadlines and requirements for the university application process. This can include setting up a calendar, creating to-do lists, and using online tools to stay organized.
As always, send us a note if you’ve got personal stories about this to share with us! Email us at team@spikeview.com.
